Blog – Page 280 – Windhoek Observer

23 Mar

Alweendo pledges continued commitment to national development

National News

Ester Mbathera Former cabinet minister Tom Alweendo, who did not return to the new executive, has thanked the nation for the support he received. Alweendo, who served as Minister of Mines and Energy, said his time in public office has ended, but his commitment to Namibia remains strong. “Our nation is rich in potential, and it is up to all of us—wherever we find ourselves—to do what is required to unlock it. Let us continue to work with integrity, vision, and determination to build the Namibia we all aspire to see. Thank you once again for your support. The journey…

23 Mar

NNN calls for vigilance in protecting peace and freedom on Liberation Day

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwwe President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to continue honouring the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the fight against apartheid and for the freedom and peace the region enjoys today. Southern Africa Liberation Day is observed on 23 March each year to mark the end of one of the fiercest conventional battles at Cuito Cuanavale in Angola’s Cuando Cubango Province. The battle marked a turning point for Angola and laid the foundation for peace and development, placing the country at the centre of the SADC integration agenda. “As the…

23 Mar

The meaning of independence: A reflection on Namibia’s 35th anniversary

Opinions

Sakaria Johannes As Namibia celebrates 35 years of independence, it is a time for reflection on what independence truly means and how far we have come since the dawn of freedom. For many Namibians, independence signifies the end of colonial rule, the promise of a better future, and the vision of equality and freedom. However, despite the triumphs of liberation, we must critically assess the state of our nation today. Are we truly free? What have we achieved since we gained our independence, and are we living the dream our forefathers fought for? What Have We Achieved So Far? While…

23 Mar

SADC PF urges parliaments to act on female genital mutilation

Africa / World

Moses Magadza The secretary general of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Boemo Sekgoma, has called for urgent and sustained parliamentary action to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Speaking at the launch of the updated Global Report on FGM/Cutting at the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Sekgoma described FGM as a “very live and serious issue” in the SADC region that must be tackled with urgency. She noted that, despite regional and international frameworks, the practice continues to devastate the lives of millions of girls, particularly in Africa. “Over 50%…

23 Mar

Balloti vows to fast-track Independence Stadium upgrade

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwes Newly appointed deputy minister of sports, Dino Balloti, has pledged to fast-track the upgrade of the Independence Stadium to international standards to ensure the Brave Warriors can play home matches in the country again. Balloti made the commitment over the weekend at State House, shortly after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndeitwah announced his appointment as deputy minister of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture. He added that he will meet with the minister, Sanet Steenkamp, and the technical team to map out a way forward for completing the project. ‘’We need to hit the ground running…there…

22 Mar

President Nandi-Ndaitwah Reshuffles Cabinet and Restructures National Executive

Main

Niel Terblanche Namibia’s fifth President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced a sweeping reorganisation of Namibia’s Government Offices, Ministries and Agencies (OMAs), alongside a new Cabinet for the 2025–2029 term.Nandi-Ndaitwah said changes are aimed at eliminating duplications, reducing public expenditure, and improving the implementation of national development programmes. “In accordance with Article 32(3)(g) of the Namibian Constitution, and guided by the Election Manifesto Implementation Plan, I have decided to establish, abolish, and make several alignments in various Government Offices, Ministries and Agencies. I have also merged some ministries and transferred some mandates to the ministries where we can maximise outcomes,” she…

19 Mar

“My presidency will be for all Namibians” – Nandi-Ndaitwah

Main

Ester Mbathera President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to serve all Namibians, regardless of political affiliation. Speaking to SABC News on Wednesday, she said her leadership will focus on national unity and ensuring that everyone benefits from government policies. “From now on, even the Swapo Party members, will know Netumbo is a president of all Namibians,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah will be sworn into office on Friday as the country’s 5th and first female president. She acknowledged divisions following the elections but said her priority is to unite the country. “Namibia’s unity is very important, and I will keep appealing to all…

19 Mar

NEFF calls for extension of parliamentary service terms

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Outgoing Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) chief whip and deputy leader, Kalimbo Iipumbu has called for an extension from five to ten years of the service terms for members of parliament. He made this call during a media interview at Parliament on Tuesday. “I really have to make it clear that the term of five years was really challenging for the outgoing MPs to implement necessary policies. You should remember that as a member of parliament, immediately after two years, the time you were trying to associate yourself with others and trying to come up with proposals and…

19 Mar

Heavy flooding causes water and sewage issues in coastal towns

National News

Niël Terblanché Heavy rains have caused flooding, water shortages, and sewerage problems in coastal towns, leaving residents struggling to stay dry while municipal services work to manage the disruptions. In Walvis Bay, a power outage affected the water pumps in the Kuiseb River basin, which supplies most of the town’s water. NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata confirmed that the outage originated in the ErongoRED network, disrupting the ability to refill reservoirs. “All NamWater’s boreholes are currently without power. The water supply will be limited until electricity is restored,” he said. He assured residents that once power is restored, all affected boreholes…

19 Mar

DHPS will be closed for Independence Day celebrations

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Due to increased pressure from the government, the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) has decided to close on Thursday as per the recommendation of the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture. The education ministry recommended that schools in Windhoek should close due to expected traffic disruptions ahead of Independence Day celebrations. After initially announcing that the school will remain open for teaching the management of the school in a statement to parents, said that its priority remains the education and well-being of its learners. “Under the current circumstances, a meaningful teaching offer is not possible. This decision affects all…